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38 Special Ammo: Uses, Loads and Choosing | Liberty Ammo

By Liberty Ammo Co. · · 4 min read

Quick answer

38 Special ammo is a classic revolver cartridge that uses a .357-inch bullet. It comes in loads such as full metal jacket, semi-wadcutter and jacketed hollow point, so the right choice depends on whether you shoot targets, keep it for defense or hunt small game.

What is 38 Special ammo?

The .38 Special is a revolver cartridge introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898. Despite the name, it uses a bullet of about .357 inch in diameter. It has been used for target shooting, police and civilian carry, home defense and small-game hunting for well over a century. Its mild recoil and wide availability in revolvers keep it popular today.

Because it is a straight-walled, rimmed case, it works well in revolvers. You will also see it chambered in some lever-action rifles and a few other firearms. Always confirm the chambering stamped on your gun before buying.

38 Special vs. .357 Magnum

This is one of the most common points of confusion. A .357 Magnum revolver can safely fire .38 Special cartridges, because the Magnum case is slightly longer. The reverse is not true: a gun chambered only for .38 Special should never be loaded with .357 Magnum. Many shooters with a .357 revolver use .38 Special for practice because it is milder to shoot, then switch to Magnum loads when they want more power.

Common 38 Special loads

Bullet style and weight define what a load is good for. Typical bullet weights run from about 110 to 158 grains. Here are the types you will see most often:

  • Full metal jacket (FMJ): A lead core wrapped in a copper jacket. It is a common choice for practice, and it feeds and cleans up easily. An example is this 130 grain full metal jacket 38 Special load.
  • Semi-wadcutter (SWC): A lead bullet with a flat, sharp-shouldered nose. It cuts clean holes in paper, which makes scoring easy, and it is a traditional target and general-purpose bullet. See this 158 grain semi-wadcutter 38 Special option.
  • Jacketed hollow point (JHP): Designed to expand on impact. This is the usual style for personal defense. Some are built with short-barrel revolvers in mind, such as a 135 grain bonded jacketed hollow point.
  • Lead round nose (LRN): A traditional, simple bullet used for plinking and practice.
  • Wadcutter: A flat-fronted target bullet, usually loaded to a mild level for bullseye-style shooting.

What does +P mean?

You will sometimes see "+P" on the box. It indicates a load made to a higher pressure than standard .38 Special. It is intended only for firearms rated to handle it. If your revolver is older, lightweight or its manual does not mention +P, stay with standard-pressure ammunition. When in doubt, check the manual or ask the manufacturer.

How to choose the right 38 Special ammo

For range practice

If you mostly punch paper, look at FMJ or lead-style bullets in standard pressure. They are mild, consistent and well suited to long sessions. Semi-wadcutters are a good pick if you like clean scoring holes on targets.

For home defense or carry

Most people choose jacketed hollow points from a reputable manufacturer. Pick a load suited to your barrel length, because velocity and expansion can change from a short barrel to a longer one. Then shoot a few boxes through your own revolver to confirm it is accurate and reliable for you. It is also wise to practice with a load that has similar recoil and point of impact to your defensive ammunition.

For hunting and field use

The .38 Special is modest in power. Some shooters use it for small game at close range where it is legal, but it is not a substitute for a larger cartridge on bigger animals. Check your state's hunting regulations for caliber and bullet requirements before heading out.

Match the load to your gun

  • Confirm the caliber marking on the barrel or frame.
  • Check whether your revolver is approved for +P.
  • Consider barrel length and sight regulation if you want the bullet to hit where you aim.
  • Buy a small quantity first, test for reliability, then stock up on what works.

Storing and handling your ammunition

Keep cartridges in a cool, dry place away from heat, solvents and moisture. Store them locked and out of reach of children and unauthorized users, ideally separate from the firearm. Inspect rounds before loading, and set aside any with dented cases, loose bullets or corrosion.

Where to find 38 Special ammo

Liberty Ammo carries a range of calibers, and you can see the current selection on the 38 Special ammo page or browse the full shop. Availability and shipping depend on local, state and federal laws, and buyers must follow them. That includes age requirements and any restrictions on ammunition types where you live.

The bottom line

The .38 Special is versatile, comfortable to shoot and easy to understand once you know the bullet types. Decide what you will use it for, confirm what your revolver is rated for, and choose a load that fits that job. Practice regularly with the ammunition you plan to rely on.

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Frequently asked questions

Is 38 Special the same as .357 Magnum?

No. They use the same .357-inch bullet diameter, but the Magnum case is longer and loaded to higher pressures. A .357 Magnum revolver can fire .38 Special, but a gun chambered only for .38 Special must never be loaded with .357 Magnum.

What does +P mean on 38 Special ammo?

+P marks a load made to a higher pressure than standard .38 Special. It should only be used in firearms specifically rated for +P. If your revolver's manual does not say it is approved, use standard-pressure ammunition instead.

What is the most common bullet weight for 38 Special?

Many loads fall between about 110 and 158 grains. The 158 grain bullet is a long-standing traditional weight, often seen in lead semi-wadcutter and round nose loads, while lighter bullets are common in jacketed defensive and practice loads.

What 38 Special ammo is good for home defense?

Most people choose jacketed hollow points from an established manufacturer, since they are designed to expand. Pick a load suited to your barrel length, test it in your own revolver for reliability and accuracy, and practice regularly.

Can I use 38 Special for hunting?

It can be used on small game at close range in some areas, but it is a modest cartridge. Check your state's hunting regulations for legal calibers and bullet types, and choose a larger cartridge for bigger animals.

Can 38 Special be fired in a rifle?

Some lever-action rifles and carbines are chambered for .38 Special, often alongside .357 Magnum. Only use it in a firearm marked for that caliber, and always confirm the chambering stamped on the barrel before loading.

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